Mark Lawrenson makes blunt Cody Gakpo transfer claim…

Mark Lawrenson makes blunt Cody Gakpo transfer claim amid major Liverpool 'problem'

Liverpool icon Mark Lawrenson says the lack of 'protection and creativity' from the midfield will impact Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo.

The middle of the pitch for the Reds has come under immense scrutiny this season and the criticism continued in light of their chastening defeat away to Brighton and Hove Albion.

Jurgen Klopp has faced increasing demands to delve back into the January transfer market to sign a midfielder, following the acquisition of the Dutchman Gakpo.

"He was stronger and said it was the worst result ever, worst performance ever," he said speaking to Off The Ball. "We know they've been struggling and we know what the problem is - which is midfield.

"That's affected everything Liverpool do because if you think about it, they're very attacking with the two full-backs, there's no protection, no creativity, so you can add who you want up front but they're not creating any chances."

Liverpool travel to Wolves in the FA Cup for their third round replay after both sides couldn't be separated after 90 minutes in their meeting at Anfield.

They go to the Midlands looking to stay in one of the few competitions they still have a chance of winning after their defeat on the south coast saw them fade to 10 points adrift of the Champions League places. As a result, fears of missing out on the top four are growing.

Lawrenson added: "They're in a rut, the problem is they go to Wolves which will be tight because of how they're playing under Lopetegui. I wouldn't mind betting they'll go out the competition, which isn't in Klopp's mind and will not be the end of the world. Then you're having to, at the very least, be in the Champions League - that's around the corner, Real Madrid at home.

"Van Dijk missing as well but he wasn't playing particularly well either, most definitely. We all know the problem is they're lacking in midfield players, I don't think Jordan Henderson made a tackle - apparently somebody said - at Brighton.

"It is a possibility, Klopp's been through this before but he's looking at the players he's got and whatever way he moves them around at the moment they're not at it. They could've easily gone out against Wolves in the first game in the FA Cup because of the lack of VAR late on in the game.

"The kids aren't what they are, they're not ready for it and you know, he's reluctant to chuck them in because the team is suffering and you bring the kids in when the team is going well, the odd one or two maybe."

With the problems that have arisen in the middle of the pitch, Lawrenson fears that despite having quality in forward areas, without having a creative spark it's 'no good' having them.

"They're in a bit of a mess at the minute, everyone's saying go buy some players, do this and that but that's not the way they operate," he continued. "They took Gakpo, I think they took him because they do believe he was only going to go better, his fee was going to go up and his time was now, you understand that but it's no good having these four or five outstanding forwards and not supplying them with any chances.

"It's a bit of a mess at the moment but the best thing about the football club is the manager, he will sort it but it might just be one of those seasons where they miss out on everything."

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